Workout Wednesday in Woodlake: Let's POUND

What do you say when someone invites you to Pound?  Pound beers ( you say yes!), pound the pavement (you ask why?), pound meat (is it Thanksgiving?), pound the drums (earplugs, please).  In this case it was an invitation to POUND, the hot fitness trend that combines drumming, sweating, and fun music.  Not your everyday invitation, but I'm intrigued.

I had been meaning to learn more about Woodlake, a beautiful lake community in South Richmond, as I have some real estate clients looking in the area.  Then I received a friendly invitation from the Woodlake General Manager, Julie Joyner, to check out Woodlake's new - and very unique - fitness studio aptly dubbed "Studio W."  I was game...and totally terrified.

I accepted the invitation to the 45 minute POUND class and had no idea what to expect.  Studio W is right at the entrance to Woodlake, so it's a quick in-and-out.  The staff checked me in quickly and were super friendly (I later found out some folks have the Studio W app that checks you in automatically right when you walk in the door - how cool is that?).  

I didn't know what POUND was all about  (I should at least Google before I get myself in these situations).  It was a packed house with a nice variety of fitness levels represented (translation: there were other people new to POUND like me- whew, thank goodness).  The staff had the room prepped with mats, towels and drum sticks - my first clue to what POUND was all about.  I took my place in the back of the room and prayed for my out-of-shape self to survive the next 45 minutes.  I also admired the studio - it's lovely - and I really dug the phrases above the mirror.  Motivational words like "I Want To Be Healthy" and "I Want to Bring the 2 Piece Back" and "I Want to Keep Up With My Kids" are everywhere you look.  I don't think I've ever admired gym decor before, but the space is inspiring.

The instructor was upbeat and the energy was strong for the entire session.  The class consisted of some drumming combinations with lots of squats, lunges, and ab work.  There were modifications for all of the moves and somehow everybody seemed to drum to the same beat (sorry, I couldn't resist the cliche).  My favorite part was the yummy scented towels they give you at the end of the workout.  Tangerine sweetness wafting from a cold washcloth - what a GREAT touch!  I'm SOLD.

The other thing that "sold me" on Studio W is its flexibility.  There are no memberships!  Remember Ross asking Chandler for moral support to "quit the gym"....well, my friends, classes at Studio W are pay as you go.  The cost for my 45 minutes of POUND?  $15 bucks.  You sign up online for your class when you want to take one. You don't even have to live in Woodlake - it's open to the public. They have all kinds of cool classes:  Barre for Boomers, Piloxing, Insanity...and a class that includes sunset paddleboarding on the lake.  Sign me up.

So my quest to learn more about Woodlake is complete.   For years I've admired the beautiful lake and enjoyed the hiking trails. Now I know about Studio W and its associated Fitness and Aquatics Center.  There is a child development center, daycare, animal hospital, two great public elementary schools, as well as a notable private school right in the neighborhood.  The lake is gorgeous and there is a wide range of family homes for sale ranging from $204,000 - $469,000.  It was even voted "Best Community in America" in 1990 by the Urban Land Institute and the Number 1 Selling Community in Richmond by Richmond Magazine in 2000. Richmond Magazine named it a "Most Kid-Friendly Suburban Community,"  and in 2013, Woodlake was named "Best Suburban Community," and in 2014, "Best for Empty Nesters."  

So it seems there is a little something for every age group in Woodlake.  Call me if you'd like to explore real estate in this great Richmond community!